Minamishinshu Hokentake Ale by Komagatake Brewery

August 29, 2018

Minamishinshu Hokentake Ale is a 5% golden ale from Komagatake Brewery, based in Komagane, in Nagano, Japan. It’s part of the summer seasonal lineup and can be found in both bottles and on tap. It was first released in 2017 and Minamishinshu Hokentake Ale is named after Mount Hōken, at 2,931m high, is one of major peaks in Kiso Mountains or Central Alps, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Minamishinshu Hokentake Ale is brewed using 100% locally sourced malt from the Ina Valley, including malt from Komagane city and Miyata village.

Minamishinshu Hokentake Ale Aroma and Taste

Minamishinshu Hokentake Ale poured out a lifeless copper orange colour with a bare minimum amount of head – that thin ring of bubbles around the edge was all I had which then faded into the beer almost immediately. There was a strong sour Belgian funky yeast aroma going on which was no pleasant. Maybe this bottle was off? It was well within its drink by date and had been stored in a chilled environment too. There was some hints of fruitiness but to be honest, the sour aroma really didn’t help things at all.